THE INDUN TRIBES

condition of the Indjans.

The frictions which had

prevailed

during the Dutch administration were very largely removed by a law declaring that "no purchase of lands from the Indians,

" esteemed a day of March, 1665," should be good title without leave first had and obtained from the governor and after leave so obtained ; " that purchasers should bring be " fore the governor " the sachem or of lands which right owner

after the first

were purchased u to acknowledge satisfaction and payment " for

the same, when all the proceedings were to be entered on record u All and constitute a valid title. injuries done to the Indians

of what nature soever," were made punishable on complaint and proof in any court, without cost to the complainant, " in as full

and ample a manner as

if

the

case had been between

The contraband trade in fire-arms was broken up, and only those who were licensed were permitted Christian and Christian."

"

to sell guns, powder, bullets, lead, shot, or any vessel of burthen or row boat (canoes excepted)." The sale or gift to

the Indians of " rum, strong waters, wine and brandy," without license, was forbidden under penalty of

"

forty shillings for each

To prevent difficulties arising so sold or disposed of." from cattle straying upon the unfenced lands of the Indians, and pint

were them in " felling trees, riving and sharpening " and setting posts, allowing " one Englishman to three or rails more Indians." These reforms were eminently satisfactory to